Veronica Leventhal, a forensic social worker for the NYC defender’s office, joins Mandy to chat about this week in Bravo. They discuss being liberal daughters of conservative fathers, what it’s like watching her dad and Kelly Dodd on Real Housewives of Orange County, and dive deep into the premiere of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and this week’s Potomac. Follow Veronica Leventhal on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/not_topanga/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.i...
Nov 15, 2020•1 hr 32 min
Michelle Konstantinovsky, a brilliant writer and reality TV fan, joins Mandy to decompress from this roller coaster week and chat about Bravo. They bond over their Russian Jewish heritage and discuss the brilliance of RHOP, the new season of Southern Charm, and how the Real Housewives address health & body image issues - a topic Michelle writes about. Plus, Mandy shares a crazy story about her Dad! Check out Michelle’s website: https://www.michellekmedia.com Follow “Is This Real Life?” on in...
Nov 08, 2020•1 hr 30 min
Derek Pentz, a Baltimore based drag performer and theatre artist, joins Mandy to chat all things Bravo. They discuss his thesis, “Was Oscar Wilde a Nineteenth Century PumpHead?”, he shares his experiences meeting the cast of Potomac while performing as Zenobia Darling at a drag show, and they do a scene by scene breakdown of this week’s RHOP. Plus, Mandy’s hot takes on The Bachelorette and Netflix recommendations! Check out Zenobia Darling’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxBSEoWSLcs...
Nov 01, 2020•1 hr 38 min
Sarah Galli from the Andy’s Girls podcast joins Mandy to chat all things Bravo. They bond over falling on their faces, being Jewish, and medical sagas while discussing the Bravo headlines from this week and diving deep on this week’s Real Housewives of Potomac. Check out Andy’s Girls: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/andys-girls-a-real-housewives-podcast/id1102241909 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
Oct 25, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Amanda Page from the Its All Happening Podcast joins Mandy to chat everything happening in the Bravo universe. They do a deep dive into this week’s Real Housewives of Potomac, recapping Karen’s homecoming to Surry, VA, the pressure Wendy feels as the daughter of immigrants, and how Monique finally seems to be coming to terms with why she blew up on Candiace. Plus, some thoughts on the Real Housewives of Orange County and why they’re cheering on Braunwyn’s sobriety journey. Check out the Its All ...
Oct 18, 2020•1 hr 40 min
Stephanie from the podcast Mocha Minutes joins Mandy to chat the latest Bravo headlines and do a deep dive into the latest episode of #RHOP. They discuss the rumors Monique claims caused her anger with Candiace, the women’s reaction to Monique’s explanation, and how respectability politics play into it all. Plus, hear Stephanie’s thoughts on Summer House, including her dislike of Amanda and why Carl Radke is a “ho for the streets” :) Check out the Mocha Minutes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.co...
Oct 11, 2020•1 hr 47 min
Kirsten Moore of the Reality TV & Me podcast joins Mandy to chat the latest Bravo headlines, discuss the explosive episode of #RHOP, and say goodbye to #RHONY. Plus, some real talk about infertility struggles from Mandy. Check out the Reality TV & Me Podcast and all things Kirsten Moore: http://www.kirstenmoore.com.au/reality-tv-me/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
Oct 04, 2020•1 hr 17 min
Taria Faison of the podcast What Else Is Going On? Joins Mandy to talk all things Bravo. They dish on the latest headlines from Jax and Brittany’s pregnancy to Teddi’s firing to the unexpected trailer for season 7 of Southern Charm. As they delve into this week’s RHOP, Taria shares her experience attending Jamal Bryant’s church and how it was common knowledge he wanted to get Gizelle back. They of course dive into the Michael Darby drama, Monique’s insanely expensive podcast, and the upcoming al...
Sep 27, 2020•2 hr 15 min
Comedian and Housewives writer for Vulture, Chris Murphy, joins Mandy to chat all things Housewives - including his brief stint on this season of RHONY! They discuss the latest Bravo headlines - Stassi on Tamron Hall, Nene’s retirement from RHOA, and Teddi’s eating disorder business. They discuss the RHOBH final reunion and their differing views on Denise and Rinna, the RHONY reunion and Dorinda’s confusion between authenticity and truth, and the hilarious and complicated RHOP. Plus, Chris has f...
Sep 20, 2020•1 hr 46 min
Sasha Morfaw, the creator of the Bravo Breakdown on IGTV and Patreon joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. They discuss Bravo’s response to BLM and racial equality, Mandy’s adventures with her late mother’s online Mahjongg groups, and how Denise uses legal action in response to any conflict. Plus full breakdowns of #RHOP, #RHOBH, and #RHONY - including unseen footage. Check out @thebravobreakdown on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebravobreakdown/?hl=en Check out the Bravo Breakdow...
Sep 13, 2020•1 hr 36 min
Steve from the immensely popular IG account @facesbybravo joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. They discuss the #RHOC trailer (Steve was in it!), Lala’s pregnancy, and excitement about the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. They also break down this weeks #RHOP trip to Monique’s lake house, the crazy #RHOBH reunion, and the #RHONY finale. Enjoy! Check out @facesbybravo: https://www.instagram.com/facesbybravo/?hl=en Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_...
Sep 06, 2020•1 hr 39 min
Stephanie from the Mocha Minutes podcast joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. Stephanie shares lots of tea about Jamal Bryant from his days at a Maryland church, how Candiace is a fantastic villain incapable of accountability, and how Robyn is probably the coolest Housewife in real life. They also chat the #RHOBH finale and Dorinda’s exit from #RHONY. Plus, Stephanie sounds off on Leah’s wokeness and how her clothing line isn’t actually “streetwear.” . Check out Stephanie’s podcast Mocha...
Aug 30, 2020•1 hr 42 min
Annabelle DeSisto from the podcast Adderall and Compliments podcast joins Mandy to chat this week in Bravo. They dive deep into the mental health shaming happening on Below Deck Med, why it’s so dangerous, and Mandy shares some gossip she got from Kate Chastain. They also discuss this week’s Housewives franchises from Potomac to Beverly Hills to New York and question the sincerity of Monique and Candiace’s friendship explain why Kyle is responsible for bringing the Brandi/Denise story to RHOBH. ...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 32 min
Mani from the Mixing with Mani podcast joins Mandy to dive into this week’s Housewives shows. They chat about the Bravo special “Race in America: A Movement Not a Moment”, Candiace’s apology for past homophobic tweets, and Monique’s IG live spilling all sorts of tea. They recap this week’s Potomac including rumors about Monique, Ashley’s postpartum anxiety, and their excitement for Dr. Wendy; dish on the Denise drama and unwritten rules of Beverly Hills; and discuss Dorinda’s anger & delusio...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 38 min
Ashley Hoover Baker from the On This Day Entertainment podcast joins Mandy to chat about the day we’ve all been waiting for - the Real Housewives of Potomac Premiere!!! They discuss how Karen Huger is the Mariah Carey of Bravo, how Monique can potty train anything, their excitement for Dr. Wendy, and the upcoming “altercation.” They also dive into this week’s #RHOBH including the breakdown of Rinna & Denise’s friendship, why Ashley is #TeamDenise (but not Aaron), and what Mandy thinks is cau...
Aug 07, 2020•1 hr 8 min
What a week it’s been in Bravo! From the #RHOBH showdown in Italy over Denise and Brandi to the #RHONY trip to Mexico, we’re going to MENTION IT ALL. Diana Espir from the You Can’t Sit With Me podcast joins Mandy (4:22) to discuss the breaking of the 4th wall, if they believe the rumor between Brandi and Denise, and Diana’s thoughts on her hopes for #SummerHouse and #PumpRules. Then Chadwick Cline joins Mandy (39:35) to share his thoughts on this week’s Housewives, why he stans Sutton, how Sonja...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 47 min
King of all Bravo recaps and professor of the reality television arts & sciences, Brian J. Moylan, joins Mandy to share a bit about his upcoming book on the Real Housewives and dish on this week’s episodes of #RHOBH and #RHONY. Brian and Mandy tackle all the big Bravo questions of the week: Why won’t the women forgive Camille? Was Brandi telling the truth about Denise - and does it matter? Why was Sonja speaking at Wharton? What effect will COVID-19 have on #RHONY? Is Ramona’s time on the sh...
Jul 26, 2020•1 hr 19 min
It’s an extra-long 100th episode of “Is This Real Life?”!!! Mandy gives a tribute to her grandfather, who died yesterday and makes a toast in his honor (“here’s to whatever comes”). To celebrate this milestone of an episode, Ryan Bailey joins to chat this week’s #RHONY (0:08). They discuss the craziness of the Berkshires, the ladies unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and why Ryan and Leah are a perfect match. Mandy is also joined by the lovely Erin Martin of the Pink Shade podcast (1:24). They...
Jul 19, 2020•2 hr 17 min
Paul McClain of @realrealityhomosexual and this podcast’s longest time listener Essence join Mandy to recap this week’s RHOBH and RHONY. Paul shares his appreciation of Sutton, why he lives for a Kim Richards cameo, and tries to make sense of Denise and Aaron’s bizarre behavior. Essence shares her frustrations about the lack of diversity on RHONY, her concerns with how Black women are portrayed on Bravo, and the dynamics of Ramona and Elyse’s friendship. Plus, full breakdowns of both episodes! F...
Jul 12, 2020•1 hr 34 min
Hannah Brown of the Not Aspirational Podcast joins Mandy to share her thoughts on the latest Bravo headlines. They discuss their love of Scheana, Stassi’s PR campaign, and Hannah’s encounters with various bravolebrities behaving poorly. Plus, Hannah shares her best Lala Kent impression. Check out Hannah’s podcast Not Aspirational https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-aspirational-with-hannah-brown/id1503399104v Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast...
Jun 28, 2020•58 min
This bonus episode has it all! Housewives empath Jamie Stein joins Mandy to share advice on surviving 2020 AND gives an intuitive look into new Housewives Leah, Garcelle, Sutton, and last year’s newbie Denise Richards. From surrendering to the uncertainties around the pandemic to facing the ways we’ve been complicit to racial injustice, Jamie shares useful ways to frame the moment we’re in and tackle it head on. Plus, his readings on the new housewives are incredibly insightful! Check out Jamie ...
Jun 21, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Kara Berry from the podcast ‘Everyone’s Business But Mine’ joins Mandy to chat all things this week in Bravo. After the #PumpRules firings last week, all eyes are on Jax Taylor, who continues to unravel - in real time and on the third reunion, which they recap. Check out Kara’s podcast Everyone’s Business but Mine at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyones-business-but-mine-with-kara-berry/id1484425171 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Jess Rothschild from the podcast ‘Hot Takes and Deep Dives’ joins Mandy to recap all the breaking Bravo news from Stassi and Kristen’s firing to Stassi’s pregnancy and Brittany’s family pastor running for elected office in Kentucky. They chat about the future of Vanderpump Rules, give some hot takes on the reunion, and provide a full breakdown of this week’s #RHONY. Plus, Jess shares her favorite bravolebrity interviews! Check out Jess’s podcast Hot Takes and Deep Dives at https://podcasts.apple...
Jun 14, 2020•1 hr 14 min
Megan O’Donnell from the Bravo Happy Hour podcast joins Mandy to recap this week in Bravo. They discuss the history of problematic race issues on Vanderpump Rules, the crazy revelations at the reunion, the #RHOBH ladies frustration with Denise, and how all the #RHONY women have become unhinged. Check out Megan’s podcast Bravo Happy Hour at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bravo-happy-hour/id1317603155 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast Please co...
Jun 07, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Chelsea, who runs the hilarious @ohnobravo account, joins Mandy to break down this week in Bravo. They chat about their favorite Bravo conspiracy theories, including why Nene didn’t close her laptop on the #RHOA reunion and whether Kyle and Dorit went into this season of #RHOBH with an alliance. Plus, Chelsea and Mandy share their thoughts on #PumpRules secrets revealed and Leah’s drunken exorcism on #RHONY. Be sure to follow Chelsea at @ohnobravo on instagram!
May 31, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Everyone’s favorite Aussie, Kirsten Moore from the Reality TV & Me podcast, joins Mandy to break down another epic week on Bravo. They discuss the chaotic and amazing 2nd #RHOA reunion episode, Jax pulling a Vicki Gunvalson on the #PumpRules finale, the underlying tension on #RHOBH, and the #RHONY ladies adventures at a Russian bath house. Plus, Mandy tries her best to explain to Kirsten the American franchise Buca di Beppo. Check out everything Kirsten Moore at http://www.kirstenmoore.com.a...
May 24, 2020•1 hr 17 min
Housewives fanatic & Bravolebrity interviewer Gibson Johns joins Mandy to break down this week in #BravoTV! They discuss the #PumpRules and #SouthernCharm tabloid drama and the changes that should be made to each show, how incredible the #RHOA zoom reunion was, Gibson’s favorite Bravolebrities to interview, and a behind the scenes glimpse into his #Bravocon panels. Plus, recaps of this week’s #PumpRules, #RHOBH, and #RHONY.
May 17, 2020•1 hr 17 min
Mani Marcus from the Mixing With Mani podcast joins Mandy to mix up this week in #BravoTV! They break down the Dorit and Kyle of it all on #RHOBH, #RHONY’s perfect ensemble cast and Luann’s bizarre comedy podcast show, and a long awaited admission from Jax on #PumpRules. Plus, a recap of the #SummerHouse season finale & reunion. Check out Mani’s podcast Mixing with Mani: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mixing-with-mani/id1470175064
May 10, 2020•1 hr 18 min
Aliza Rosen from the Reality of Reality podcast joins Mandy to chat this week in #BravoTV. Neither one of them know what to make of Sutton or Aaron’s conspiracy theories, but agree this season of #RHOBH is out of this world. They also recap this week’s #RHONY, discuss how Leah made a seamless transition on to the show, and the brilliant disaster that was Sonja’s fashion show. Plus, a few thoughts on #SummerHouse, #ShawsOfSunset, and a recap of this week’s #PumpRules. Check out Aliza’s podcast Re...
May 03, 2020•1 hr 11 min
Mary Payne Gilbert from the Payne in the Pod podcast joins Mandy to discuss this week on #BravoTV. They chat about an epic #RHONY, how #RHOBH producers have heeded our cries, the comical genius of Porsha on #RHOA, and the real reason witches of WeHo have fractured on #PumpRules. Check out Mary Payne’s podcast Payne in the Pod: https://payneinthepod.com
Apr 26, 2020•1 hr 29 min